Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has discussed with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini the escalation of hostilities in Donbas, finalizing EU procedures for granting Ukrainians visa-free status and preparations for the Ukraine-EU summit.

A press release issued on Friday by Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said the meeting took place in Brussels. During the talks, the sides discussed intensified fighting in eastern Ukraine and provocations by the Russian Federation and militant groups, who seized Ukrainian enterprises in occupied areas and introduced Russian rubles as the currency for occupied areas, as well as the introduction of quasi-tax and banking systems.

Klimkin said Russian steps are tantamount to deliberate violations of the Minsk agreements and urged the EU to respond immediately. He also expressed hope that EU procedures for granting Ukrainian visa-free travel to Europe would be completed in the near future, along with the ratification process of the EU-Ukraine Association agreement

The sides also discussed the timetable for further bilateral dialogue, including preparations for the Ukraine-EU summit scheduled for 2017.